What are the signs of cardiac tamponade?

The presence of hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds are classic signs of cardiac tamponade, a condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, compressing the heart and hindering its ability to pump effectively.

Hypotension occurs because the heart cannot fill properly, resulting in decreased cardiac output. Distended neck veins indicate increased central venous pressure due to the impaired venous return from the body to the heart, while muffled heart sounds, often described as the "Beck's triad," arise from the fluid accumulation surrounding the heart, which dampens the heart sounds during auscultation. These symptoms together form a critical diagnostic feature of cardiac tamponade and suggest the need for immediate intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart.